In the Pacific Ocean, only the massive landmass of Australia was able to withstand the relentless fluctuations of tsunamis exceeding 700 meters in height.
Countless islands across the Pacific were submerged in the first wave of destruction.
Indonesia was half-submerged. The Solomon Islands, being too close to the epicenter, were completely engulfed. The Roma Chaucer Islands were submerged, along with Kiribati, Tuvalu, the New Hebrides, New Caledonia, Nauru, Tokelau, Christmas Island, Niue, Tahiti, and even the Hawaiian Islands. The tsunami's devastating impact showed no mercy, drowning every island nearby.
The sinking of New Guinea, the world's second-largest island, triggered a chain reaction of destruction across the region, plunging the world into catastrophe and sorrow.
Helicopters and transport planes worked around the clock, carrying supplies and rescuing survivors.
News broadcasts reported on the disaster daily.
Across the globe, people of different nations donated funds and aid to help the survivors of the tsunami. It was an unprecedented catastrophe, even more devastating than the World Wars, striking fear and grief into the hearts of millions.
Over 100 million people were displaced, and it was estimated that more than 10 million lives would be lost. The scale of the tragedy was shocking.
At the same time, the King of Atlantis, who was the first to detect the oceanic anomaly, did everything he could to prevent the formation of even larger tsunamis.
The Fiji Islands, in the Pacific Ocean, were among the few islands that remained intact.
It was here that Aquaman led the Atlantean army, working to save humanity.
On the islands, more than seven million people had already been rescued. Together with the islands' original population of nearly 800,000, the total number of people gathered on these scattered islands had surpassed eight million.
The disaster had continued for four days. The seas had finally calmed, and the super tsunami was subdued thanks to Aquaman's continuous efforts.
The Fiji Islands became the first location where Aquaman stepped ashore, using his magical abilities to protect the land. This allowed the nearby rescued survivors to remain in a safe, habitable environment.
Temporary massive black coral structures, unique to the island, were constructed using underwater technology to serve as shelters.
Inside these structures, coral lamps emitted a soft glow, reflecting the figure of a strong man clad in golden scale armor. His golden hair and clear blue eyes were as bright as the sea itself. Beside him stood a symbol of legend, the trident of Aquaman.
Aquaman's brow was furrowed, his determined expression reflected in the coral light. In his effort to show peaceful coexistence with humanity, he had sent the Atlantean army to aid the civilian survivors. This move, undoubtedly, made it easier for humans to accept Atlantis.
His decision had not been wrong. However, the issue of providing food for the seven million displaced people had become a sudden and pressing dilemma. If mishandled, it could easily turn the goodwill of the rescued into resentment and anger.
Humans are fickle creatures. They are undoubtedly grateful when saved in moments of crisis, but prolonged suffering, hunger, and despair can quickly erase that gratitude. It would not be long before those same people began to curse their rescuers, questioning why the tsunami had not been prevented sooner.
This delicate human psychology posed a serious threat. If Aquaman was not careful, all of his efforts could be undone.
"How long until the food supplies from the Barmulodi Group arrive?" Aquaman asked, frowning.
The influx of seven million refugees had overwhelmed the capacity of the Fiji Islands. There simply was not enough food to sustain such a large population.
Before him stood Muke, the general of the Atlantean army. Wearing dark-scaled armor, his face square and stern, he lowered his head respectfully as he reported, "At least one more day. There are too many refugees scattered throughout the Pacific. Some are being transported to Australia to ease the burden."
Aquaman fell into thought for a moment, then spoke decisively. "Transfer some food from Atlantis. Have our soldiers catch fish from the sea to serve as temporary rations."
Muke's face stiffened. This was asking too much.
Atlantis already had many radicals who disliked humans. Now, with Aquaman making the decision to save surface dwellers without consulting the Atlantean council, tensions had grown worse. And now, they were being asked to fish for human refugees.
It felt as though Atlantis was being reduced to a caretaker for humans.
Muke's expression darkened. He lifted his head slightly, the dim coral light casting shadows across his face. Just as he was about to persuade Aquaman not to be too soft on humans, and not to let Atlantis suffer for their sake, a sudden commotion erupted outside.
"Catch him!"
"Human, stop right there!"
"Damn surface dweller!"
"Kill him!"
Aquaman's brow twitched, his sea-blue eyes flashing sharply. Gripping his trident, he stepped out of the chamber.
At the entrance, he saw a man wearing a black sensor suit, mechanical components wrapped around his joints. The man was dodging attacks, evading the guards as they surrounded him on all sides.
"Stop," Aquaman called out, halting the guards' assault.
He had noticed that although the intruder had multiple chances to harm the guards, he had held back, only focusing on evasion.
The intruder clearly had no intention of hurting his people.
"Finally found you, Arthur! I need your help," the man gasped, panting heavily. It had not been easy to break through the Atlantean encampment. The guards had treated him like prey.
Aquaman's blue eyes narrowed in surprise. Few people called him by his given name. Most referred to him as Aquaman. The only person who would call him Arthur so naturally was his wife.
"What do you want from me?" Aquaman asked. "If it's food, you'll have to wait. A shipment is coming from Atlantis tomorrow. You won't go hungry. Trust in Atlantis's goodwill."
At this moment, he was unwilling to break the fragile link between humans and Atlantis. No matter what, he had to preserve this relationship.
"Thank you for your kindness to humanity," the man replied, his tone grave. "But there's something far more urgent. I need your help… and Diana's. We need to talk."
Hal Jordan exhaled deeply, his gaze heavy as he looked at Aquaman.
He understood Aquaman's dedication to peace, to bridging the gap between Atlantis and the surface world. Arthur had worked tirelessly for this dream, seeking harmony between his people and humanity.
But now, Hal feared that dream was at risk of crumbling.
Aquaman's expression darkened slightly. Without a word, he turned and walked back into the temporary shelter.
"Come in. Let's talk."
(To be continued.)